Gabriella Siefert

Manager, Customer and Market Research

Degree

MBA 2011

Area

Marketing

Employment

Hill-Rom

How did receiving a Tippie MBA prepare you for your career?

The Tippie MBA program helped me learn how to balance multiple demands at one time and still perform at a high level. Networking events and company trips allowed me to grow my knowledge base of many different industries as well as my social networking skills. I also had the opportunity to work on several consulting projects, allowing me to grow my knowledge and experience base, allowing me to secure both an internship and full-time position.

What type of impact did the program have on you both socially and academically? What was it like being a part of a small program?

Small class sizes allowed you to get to know your professors very well and allowed for more one-on-one office time. If you sought out professors and willingly wanted to learn, they were more than willing to spend the time to develop you. The small class size also allowed me to get to know my academy lead much better and use that relationship for coaching and mentoring. Small class sizes do allow for you to know your class much more intimately and learn from each other much more quickly.

How did the consulting opportunities (BSC) prepare you for future success? Did you feel they were instrumental to your development?

Consulting projects allowed me to try out new skills learned in classes, specifically data analysis skills on a few of my projects. Applying these skills helped me cement what was learned as well as learn how to implement key skills in real business problem-solving environments. I also was able to enhance my presentation skills through consulting opportunities, as we were oftentimes presenting to the highest level executives at many large companies.

What was the environment like both on and off campus, in and out of the classroom?

The environment within Tippie was collaborative, with students interested in learning and working together to better their skill sets. The staff is very supportive and looking out for students' best interests, particularly in helping them use the MBA as a next step to their future career goals. Off campus, students oftentimes spent quality time together enjoying all Iowa City has to offer. The many groups and clubs within the Tippie MBA program also helped schedule fun and interactive activities to entertain outside of the classroom. As a woman, I particularly enjoyed the time spent with the ladies of the program, encouraging each other in our class work and career hunting.

What were you seeking when you started an MBA, and do you feel that your Tippie MBA helped you achieve it?

I was looking to advance my knowledge base and wanting to obtain a master's degree before starting a family, etc. I was grateful that I was able to go to school full time, grow my personal and business skills, and gain valuable experience straight out of undergrad.

How did your participation in extra activities enhance your experience or prepare you for success?

I personally was involved in leadership positions in both student organizations within Tippie as well as within the grad school programs throughout the university. The extra activities allowed me to meet others and become more involved with niche groups outside of classroom interactions only. They also allowed me to practice key leadership skills and learn key lessons from small successes and failures.

What do you feel sets Tippie apart and above other similar MBA programs? In short, what makes Tippie special?

Tippie allows you to find a community to learn and grow in, all with your future goals in mind. It stretches you but also supports you to achieve your personal and professional development skills and allows you to tailor your learning through experiences, both within and outside of the classroom walls.